HC permits TNCA to use stands of MAC stadium for IPL matches

The petitioner (TNCA) is, however, directed to give an undertaking to the Chennai Corporation Commissioner in respect of the safety, security and maintenance of the I, J and K stands, the Bench said.

"Strongly opposing the use of the stands, the state Advocate General A Navaneethakrishnan described the three stands as 'unauthorised constructions' without proper planning permission and approval from the authorities concerned.

"The structure is unauthorised and in violation of the rules," he said.

Senior advocate P S Raman, appearing on behalf of the TNCA, submitted that an application for planning permit and building sanction for I, J and K stands, with a total seating capacity for 13,100 spectators was made on May 17, 2010.

Raman said on the basis of approvals already granted for the construction of six stands, which were completed, work on the three new stands commenced in anticipation of the approval.

He said both the games would cap "the most popular and successful" edition of the IPL, which would be lost to about 13,000 spectators if the three stands were not opened to public.

The spectacle of millions of TV viewers seeing three new stands stands empty on the final days of the tournament would hurt the pride and honour not only of the TNCA and its members but each and every cricketing lover in the state and also the BCCI, he said.